N918SW Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
The Bombardier Challenger 850 delivers 459 knots at cruise altitude with 2,600 nautical miles of range. N918SW's 2x GE CF34-3B1 produce 9,220 lbs per side, supporting an operating ceiling of 41,000 feet. That altitude keeps the aircraft above most turbulence and commercial traffic.
Mission Profile
For operators flying 4-6 hour missions with 8-12 passengers, the Bombardier Challenger 850 delivers the right balance. N918SW seats up to 15 in a 48.4 ft cabin with 8.2 ft width. Stand-up headroom at 6.1 ft means passengers move freely between zones.
Charter Authorization
N918SW operates under a Part 135 certificate for on-demand charter. The Bombardier Challenger 850's coast-to-coast range and 15-passenger cabin make it a strong fit for corporate group travel. Contact us for availability.
Insider Note
The Bombardier Challenger 850's 2x GE CF34-3B1 have one of the longest track records in business aviation. Maintenance program enrollment is standard for active charter aircraft like N918SW. Buyers should verify engine program status and remaining hours before acquisition, as enrollment directly affects resale value.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
Registration N918SW is a 2002 aircraft held by . This briefing covers the charter economics and acquisition positioning for this specific registration.
Fleet Position
FAA data shows N918SW based in —, . This aircraft is part of the diverse U.S. business aviation fleet that spans from vintage Gulfstreams and Sabreliners to modern large-cabin jets and regional turboprops. The depth of the U.S. aviation maintenance infrastructure ensures parts and service support for virtually every type.
Charter Availability
N918SW is Part 135 charter authorized. Charter rates vary widely by aircraft type, from $2,000 per hour for light aircraft to $15,000+ per hour for large-cabin jets. Contact The Jet Finder for current availability and pricing on this specific aircraft.
Market Position
N918SW is a 2002 aircraft from the legacy production era. Pre-owned values range from $2M to $10M. Aircraft from this period benefit from proven service records, established parts supply chains, and deep pools of qualified maintenance technicians.
Legacy-era business aircraft offer strong value for operators whose mission requirements match the aircraft's capabilities. Acquisition costs are significantly below current-production equivalents, and operating costs are well-documented after decades of fleet experience.
Mission Profile
Business aviation provides point-to-point transportation that eliminates the overhead of commercial air travel. Direct routing, departure flexibility, security, and privacy create value that commercial airlines cannot replicate. The aircraft is the tool; the mission determines which tool is appropriate.
When to Choose Something Else
Consider fractional ownership or jet cards when your annual flying hours fall between 25 and 100 hours. Below 25 hours, on-demand charter is more economical. Above 100 hours, full or partial ownership becomes cost-effective.
Ownership & Operations
Operating costs for business jets break into fixed and variable categories. Fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew salaries, management fees) accrue whether the aircraft flies or not. Variable costs (fuel, maintenance reserves, landing fees, handling) scale with flight hours. Owners flying fewer than 200 hours annually often find charter or fractional ownership more economical than whole aircraft ownership.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Total time on airframe and engines is the primary metric for aircraft valuation. Lower-time aircraft command premium pricing but cost more upfront. Higher-time aircraft offer lower acquisition cost but carry higher near-term maintenance exposure. The break-even analysis depends on planned utilization: buyers flying 400+ hours annually amortize acquisition cost faster and tolerate higher initial investment.
Charter Market Context
Jet card programs and membership plans lock in hourly rates for guaranteed availability. Cards typically require a $50,000 to $500,000 deposit and offer 24 to 48 hour booking windows with fixed hourly pricing. The value depends on usage frequency: clients flying 25+ hours annually benefit from rate certainty and guaranteed availability. Below 25 hours, on-demand charter often provides better economics.
N918SW Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N918SW
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition that fits your needs. If the aircraft is not available or does not work for you, we operate private aircraft as well and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
For more information contact us and one of our private aviation advisers will be happy to assist you.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N918SW |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bombardier |
| Model | Bombardier CRJ-200 (CRJ-200) |
| Part 135 Operator | SKYWEST CHARTER |
| Category | VIP Airliner |
| Cabin Class | — |
| Year Built | 2002 |
| Home Airport | KFAT |
| Interior Refurbished | 5/1/2023 |
| Exterior Refurbished | 5/1/2023 |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engine Type | 2x GE CF34-3B1 |
|---|---|
| Engine Thrust | 9,220 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 459 knots |
| Maximum Range | 2600 nautical miles |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | — |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About N918SW
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the Bombardier CRJ-200
N918SW is a 2002 Bombardier CRJ-200 (CRJ-200) registered in the United States. It carries serial number on file with the FAA and is classified as a Heavy Jet in the private aviation market.
N918SW is a Bombardier CRJ-200 (CRJ-200). The Bombardier CRJ-200 is a business jet platform with a range of 2,000 nautical miles. Bombardier has a well-established support network for this airframe.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 is powered by 2x GE CF34-3B1, each producing 9,220 lbs. Engine maintenance programs from the manufacturer spread overhaul costs across flight hours, making operating expenses predictable. The powerplant supports a service ceiling of 41,000 feet.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 has a maximum cruise speed of 459 knots. Long-range cruise is 424 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1377 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The Bombardier CRJ-200 (CRJ-200) has an approximate range of 2,600 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of transatlantic routes including New York to London, or Los Angeles to Honolulu. At a cruise speed of approximately 459 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 seats up to 15 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 48.4 ft long, 8.2 ft wide, and 6.1 ft tall. Standard configurations include forward club seating, a mid-cabin conference group, and an aft divan.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 has a maximum service ceiling of 41,000 feet (FL410). At this altitude, the aircraft operates above commercial traffic and most weather systems. The pressurization system maintains a cabin altitude of approximately 5,500-6,500 feet at maximum cruise altitude, reducing passenger fatigue on long flights.
Yes. The Bombardier Challenger 850 is fully certified for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations. It is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics avionics, supporting precision approaches, RNAV/GPS navigation, FANS/CPDLC for oceanic operations, and ADS-B Out compliance. All Part 135 charter operations require two instrument-rated pilots.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 cabin measures 48.4 ft long, 8.2 ft wide, and 6.1 ft tall. The flat-floor, stand-up cabin allows passengers to move freely without stooping. Baggage capacity is 200 cu ft.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 has 200 cu ft of baggage volume in an externally accessible, heated and pressurized compartment. This accommodates 12+ full-size suitcases or a combination of luggage, garment bags, and sporting equipment. The compartment does not intrude on cabin space.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. This integrated flight deck provides enhanced situational awareness, synthetic vision, TCAS II, and weather radar. The system supports single-crew operations where type-certified, though Part 135 charter flights require two pilots.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 was produced from 2006-2012. The type remains in production or active service. This specific aircraft (N918SW) was manufactured in 2002.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 competes in the Heavy Jet segment against aircraft with similar range and cabin specifications. Key differentiators include a cruise speed of 459 knots, range of 2,600 nm, and a 8.2 ft-foot-wide cabin. Selection between competing types depends on mission profile, operator availability, and total trip cost.
Charter rates for the Bombardier Challenger 850 typically range from $4,000-$5,800 per flight hour, depending on operator, region, and seasonal demand. This includes crew, fuel at current Jet-A prices, and standard handling. Additional costs may include FBO fees, overnight crew expenses, international handling, and repositioning if the aircraft is not based at the departure airport.
Yes. N918SW holds an active Part 135 certificate under SKYWEST CHARTER, meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability and schedule a flight.
Contact us for acquisition information about N918SW. Our aviation advisors can provide market valuation and availability details.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us to see if this aircraft is available for a charter flight or acquisition. If this aircraft is not available, we operate private aircraft and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.